TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
November 15, 2005
Meeting Minutes
Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order in the Blue Room at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut at 7:05 p.m.
Present: Rickie Bergquist (Staff Consultant), Grace Comeau, Kathy Fallon, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mona Mortinik, John Romano (Board of Selectmen liaison). Charlotte Steptoe, and Moira Wertheimer.
Not Present: Peg Bergethon (excused), Carrie Kramer, Lynn Vieth and Lorraine Piurowski,
Public Audience: None.
Introduction of New Members: Mr. LaMontagne introduced Ms. Mona Mortinik as a new commissioner.
Minutes, Previous Meeting: Motion made and carried (Kathy Fallon/Charlotte Steptoe), approving minutes as amended from October 18, 2005. Minutes were amended to reflect the suggestion that the Picnic in the Park be moved to a larger location next fall.
REPORTS:
A. Disability:
1. Mr. LaMontagne distributed flyer pertaining to a disaster preparedness forum sponsored by the Developmental Disabilities. Specifically, the forum is entitled “Lessons Learned: A Forum on Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities.”
2. Mr. LaMontagne wrote to Kevin Kowalski, Fire Marshal, requesting information relevant to disaster planning for people with disabilities in the Town of Simsbury.
3. It was noted that the UCONN A.J. Papapanikou Center would host an open house on December 8 at the Farmington Exchange from 2-5pm.
4. Voting machine focus groups will be held around the state beginning 11/14/2005. These groups will include those with visual, auditory and cognitive disabilities.
5. On 11/30/2005 P.A.T.H. will meet at the LOB from 1-4pm. They will educate legislators and transportation providers regarding the priorities and needs expressed by citizens with disabilities during regional forums, recently held.
A&D Commission
Meeting Minutes
15 November 2005
Page Two
B. Aging Issues:
1. Discussion regarding recent Hartford Courant advertising insert relating to “aging issues.”
2. Mr. LaMontagne distributed a copy of CT’s profile, contained in the “The State of the States in Family Caregiver Support: A 50-state study.”
C. Legislative Issues:
1. Medicare Part D sign-ups began 11/15/05
2. 30 people waiting to meet with Francis Sarnecki regarding their insurance
coverage.
a. Senior Center hosted a well-attended insurance information session.
b. U.S. Senate considering 30+ million reconciliation package that will make cuts in entitlement programs. Sen. McCain wanted to cut the Part D program and redirect the $$ to the deficit.
D. Housing Issues:
1. Granby held a housing fair in October. It was a well-planned event, but not well attended.
E. Souper Tuesday:
1. Ms. Comeau gave report on Fashion Show.
2. Next lunch will be held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
3. Fundraising letters will be sent out in January to make up for budget shortfall that will occur in February. The current balance is $892.07.
F. Senior Center:
1. Ms. Bergquist reported that Senior Center club activity fair was successful for the vendor, but not well attended. Good for a first try.
2. The Program Committee raised $1500 from the Election Day bake sale.
3. Group will be Santa’s elves and write return letters to children who write to Santa.
4. Senior Center sponsoring a mitten tree to benefit Fishes and Loaves.
5. Group sending items to veterans and Katrina victims.
6. Working on registration campaign for the winter. If you register on a particular day, you will get a pen.
A&D Commission
Meeting Minutes
15 November 2005
Page Three
G. Other:
1. Ms. Mortinik will update the Commission on ways to assist female veterans.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Emergency Beacons: To date, 50 have been distributed by the Social Services Department. The Fire Department has ordered 100 more.
B. Open Forum: Rescheduled to 11/29/05, after the Souper Tuesday luncheon.
C. A&D Brochure: Distributed and edited. Final copy will be completed in early 2006.
D. Programs Descriptions: Tabled until January.
E. Charter Revision Commission: Met on 11/7/05. The Commission reviewed the Aging and Disability Commissions request to have a member(s) with disabilities on the Commission. The Charter Revision made a motion to have the Board of Selectman consider this for a ordinance revision.
NEW BUSINESS
A. 2006 Plan of Action: Motion passed (Moira Wertheimer/Gloria Knierim) approving plan as amended.
B. Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee is Gloria Knierim, Mary Ellen Long, Kathy Fallon and Lorraine Piurkowski.
C. Correspondence:
1. Letter from BOS appointing Mona Mortinik to fill Frances Sarnecki’s vacated seat.
2. Letter from Social Services Director asking Charter Revision Commission to retain Aging and Disability Commission, under the Charter.
Adjournment: Motion made and carried (Kathy Fallon/Moira Wertheimer) -Meeting adjourned 8:40p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Moira Wertheimer
Clerk
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